Welcome to the Womb

Em is back again with another beautiful birth story! Today she is joined by the lovely Fran who talks through the birth of her second child, Bloom. Fran speaks completely honestly during this chat all about her previous traumatic birth experience, pregnancy after a miscarriage, her SECOND experience with hyperemesis, a misdiagnosis of gestational diabetes, COVID during pregnancy, a diagnosis of cholestasis and to top it all off, the beautiful planned belly birth of her daughter, Bloom. Pregnancy is not often how it is portrayed in social media, so hearing Fran speak so openly about all the ups and downs of her experience is a breath of fresh air. Fran's story is the perfect example of why it is SO important for women to be given the opportunity to make informed decisions surrounding their birth experience. So many of you are going to resonate with this one! To see more from Fran, head over to: Instagram @throughrosecolouredglasses If you want to hear more from Em or want to support the podcast head to: Instagram @midwife_em and @welcometo.thewomb Link Tree https://linktr.ee/midwife_em Buy Em a Cuppa https://www.buymeacoffee.com/midwifeem BIG THANKS to this episodes sponsor, Bliss Birth @blissbirth. Head to www.blissbirth.com.au and use the CODE: em10 when purchasing or hiring a TENS machine!

In today’s episode, Em carries on the conversation from last week, however focuses more on what the process of an induction often looks like for women as well as talking through coping techniques and ways to make it a more positive experience. It’s so important to understand what the process of induction looks like before heading into it so you can mentally prepare yourself and have some techniques/preferences in place! Em talks through cervical preparation for labour (with Cervidil, Prostin gel, and the catheter/balloon) as well as the main process of induction include having your waters broken and the hormone drip. This is a really practical episode that heaps of mumma’s will find helpful, particularly if you already know you’ll be experiencing an induction. Time stamps: 3:30 – The induction process. 4:40 – Making sure the cervix is ready for induction (including discussion of vaginal examinations). 12:58 – Heading into hospital for preparing the cervix for labour. 15:02 – Cervical preparation process – Cervidil and Prostin gel (synthetic prostaglandins). 20:40 – Common experiences/side effects with this type of cervical preparation and coping tips. 26:45 – Cervical preparation process – The “balloon” (either the Foley’s or Cook’s catheter). 31:40 – Practical tips for coping with cervical preparation. 34:14 – The “main” induction process (breaking waters and starting the drip). 46:15 – Practical tips for coping and making it a positive experience. If you want to hear more from Em or want to support the podcast head to: Instagram @midwife_em and @welcometo.thewomb Link Tree https://linktr.ee/midwife_em Buy Em a Cuppa https://www.buymeacoffee.com/midwifeem

So many pregnant women are met with conversations surrounding induction during pregnancy and it can be extremely confronting and overwhelming. As the rates of induction continue to increase with little to no effect on infant and maternal morbidity and mortality rates, we do need to question whether all these inductions are actually necessary. If you're finding it difficult or confusing to navigate conversations with your care provider surrounding induction, if you're after some more information, and particularly if you want to know what the evidence says about induction of labour, then this is absolutely the podcast for you. Midwife Em is joined by the incredibly experienced and knowledgable Professor Hannah Dahlen as they discuss: Does induction really hurt more? How is induction different from spontaneous or "natural labour"? Does it increase or decrease the chance of a Caesarean section? How to avoid unnecessary induction. Some practical tips and questions to ask regarding induction discussion with your midwife or doctor. What does the evidence actually say regarding inductions? Hannah also gives us a great insight into some of her research findings published in 2021 (see below) which looked at outcomes for low-risk first time mothers, including whether inductions impacted rates of Caesarean sections, postpartum haemorrhage, episiotomies, vacuum/forceps births, third/fourth degree tears, and the rates of vaginal birth. Hannah also touches on the US ARRIVE Trial study, and why the findings may not be exactly as they seem. This is an extremely open and honest conversation about the ever increasing rate of unnecessary inductions, though it's also important to note that both Em and Hannah agree that there is a time and place for induction of labour. The key thing is acknowledging the necessity and right for women and their families to be given the opportunity to have open and honest conversations with their care providers, free from coercion and scare tactics, in order to make a decision that is best fore them. If you would like to read more of Hannah's research surrounding induction of labour, here is the link to her incredible study. https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/11/6/e047040 Dahlen HG, Thornton C, Downe S, et alIntrapartum interventions and outcomes for women and children following induction of labour at term in uncomplicated pregnancies: a 16-year population-based linked data studyBMJ Open 2021;11:e047040. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-047040. You can also find Hannah on instagram at @hannah.dahlen. If you want to hear more from Em or want to support the podcast head to: Instagram @midwife_em and @welcometo.thewomb Link Tree https://linktr.ee/midwife_em Buy Em a Cuppa https://www.buymeacoffee.com/midwifeem

Midwife Em is back with another incredible birth story, and this time she is joined by the lovely Kayla Gane who shares so openly and honestly about the birth of her first child, Vera. Kayla chats through her desire from an early age to have children, the fear that it may be difficult with her history of PCOS and endometriosis, her journey through pregnancy during the time of COVID, her care through her private obstetrician, and her positive birth experience. Kayla’s story is such an incredible example of how a Caesarean section can be a positive and beautiful birth experience, even if it’s not what was originally planned or expected. We’re sure Kayla’s birth experience is going to resonate with so many of you and you’re all going to really love listening. To see more from Kayla, head over to: Instagram @kaylaaaellieee @chaii.living and https://chaiiliving.net/ @chaii.boutique and https://chaii.net/ If you want to hear more from Em or want to support the podcast head to: Instagram @midwife_em and @welcometo.thewomb Link Tree https://linktr.ee/midwife_em Buy Em a Cuppa https://www.buymeacoffee.com/midwifeem

With so many different options of pain relief available, how do we know what to choose? It can get so overwhelming with so many opinions floating around, but fear not! Midwife Em has put together such a great episode exploring all the different options, how they work, and their pros/cons (both natural and medical!). Just SOME of the options covered include: Instinctual movement and different positions. Massage, touch, and acupressure. Heat. Water immersion. TENS machines. Sterile water injections. Gas and air. Epidural (the big one that everyone seems to have something to say about!). Em presents the information in a really informative and non-judgmental way so you can make the best decision for YOU! Every woman is different, so it’s important to know your options and be properly informed before you get there! If you want to hear more from Em or want to support the podcast head to: Buy Em a Cuppa https://www.buymeacoffee.com/midwifeem Instagram @midwife_em and @welcometo.thewomb Link Tree https://linktr.ee/midwife_em Podcast episodes and pages mentioned in the episode: LABOUR & BIRTH TECHNIQUES With Emma, The Naked Doula https://open.spotify.com/episode/57Z8V8FoXHLtxpCUm6z71N?si=8fe725564edc46e9 https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/labour-birth-techniques-with-emma-the-naked-doula/id1613284419?i=1000570505242 Labour, What Is Actually Going On? https://open.spotify.com/episode/403Y1S6FgvjAzxXyDICj3F?si=05d40249523340a9 https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/labour-what-is-actually-going-on/id1613284419?i=1000554895544 The BEST KEPT SECRET For Pregnancy And Birth?! Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine With Georgia Payten. https://open.spotify.com/episode/0upFxYbQexddZ1SlD8AJta?si=4b3ca6c1501140e0 https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-best-kept-secret-for-pregnancy-and-birth/id1613284419?i=1000569705842 HOMEBIRTH: Is It Actually Safe? With Dr Melanie Jackson. https://open.spotify.com/episode/7qQJEy1PrhGw2yXPx6b3rv?si=9184a8da0b044ce9 https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/homebirth-is-it-actually-safe-with-dr-melanie-jackson/id1613284419?i=1000567309950 'Aromatherapy During Labor for Pain Relief' by Evidence Based Birth https://evidencebasedbirth.com/aromatherapy-for-pain-relief-during-labor/

Get ready to have your mind blown in today’s episode! Midwife Em is joined by an incredible doula, Emma, a.k.a. The Naked Doula (@thenakeddoula) as they talk all things labour and birth techniques/strategies. This is a passionate and important conversation about women trusting their instincts, feeling safe in labour, the important role of oxytocin, and some EXTREMELY practical tips on how to encourage a positive labour and birth experience. Together they touch on: What a doula is. The importance of understanding the hormone oxytocin. What hinders oxytocin. What can help support oxytocin. Labour and birth techniques (including KICO, birth combs, and “floppy face floppy fanny”). Trusting your instincts. This is definitely one to listen to in preparation for labour and birth, whatever your birth may look like. If you want to see more from Emma (which trust us, you do), you can head to: Instagram @thenakeddoula Website (including links to The Naked Doula courses and the EVE app!) https://thenakeddoula.me/ If you want to hear more from Em or want to support the podcast head to: Instagram @midwife_em and @welcometo.thewomb Link Tree https://linktr.ee/midwife_em Buy Em a Cuppa https://www.buymeacoffee.com/midwifeem

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)...is it actually the real deal and does it have a place in pregnancy? Lucky for you all, Em is joined today by the incredible Georgia Payten, a Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner and Acupuncturist working in Sydney, Australia. Georgia comes at today’s episode with a heap of practical experience and knowledge as well as evidence to support the practice she is so passionate about. This episode is SO eye opening! As well as answering your questions, some of what they cover includes: · What acupuncture is and how it works. · The role of acupuncture and TCM during the preconception period. · Safety of acupuncture in pregnancy. · “Labour induction” acupuncture. · Acupuncture for turning Breech babies. · Breastfeeding and the postpartum. If you want to hear more from or would like to book to see Georgia check out: Website https://thedaohealth.com.au/ (make sure to have a look at The Dao Does Journal while you’re there!) Instagram @thedao and @integratingchinesemedicine Podcast Integrating Chinese Medicine with The Dao Health Written/visual information and videos for acupressure by Debra Betts: https://acupuncture.rhizome.net.nz/ If you want to hear more from Em or want to support the podcast head to: Instagram @midwife_em and @welcometo.thewomb Link Tree https://linktr.ee/midwife_em Buy Em a Cuppa https://www.buymeacoffee.com/midwifeem

Breastfeeding can be such a struggle for so many women, and one that often comes out of the blue! We often spend so much time focusing on and preparing for the pregnancy and birth that we overlook breastfeeding. But fear not, Midwife Em and Lactation Consultant, Olivia Hinge, have you covered! Just SOME of what they touch on includes: · Common breastfeeding struggles. · Antenatal expressing. · Feeding with large breasts. · Mixed bottle and breast feeding. · Inverted nipples. · Nipple shields. · Mastitis. · Paced bottle feeding. They also talk about what mothers and babies are designed to do biologically and the fact that women really need to take the pressure off themselves! Some useful links from today's chat: UNICEF Breastfeeding Checklist https://www.unicef.org.uk/babyfriendly/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/10/mothers_breastfeeding_checklist.pdf National Childbirth Trust Baby Poo Guide https://www.nct.org.uk/baby-toddler/nappies-and-poo/newborn-baby-poo-nappies-what-expect Droplet Breastfeeding Videos and Help https://firstdroplets.com/ To hear more from Olivia check out: Instagram @olivia_lactation_consultant Website https://linktr.ee/HospitalLC If you want to hear more from Em or want to support the podcast head to: Instagram @midwife_em and @welcometo.thewomb Link Tree https://linktr.ee/midwife_em Buy Em a Cuppa https://www.buymeacoffee.com/midwifeem

Can’t figure out whether or not you want to become a Midwife? Or you HAVE decided, and need some helpful pointers on how to make it through the course? Join Midwife Em as she goes through what it looks like to be a Student Midwife in Australia. From discussing the two main courses available to breaking down some key tips to surviving and thriving, this is a must-listen episode for all Student’s and Student Midwife-hopeful’s. If you want to hear more from Em or want to support the podcast head to – Instagram @midwife_em and @welcometo.thewomb Link Tree https://linktr.ee/midwife_em Buy Em a Cuppa https://www.buymeacoffee.com/midwifeem

There’s a lot of concerns and opinions out there when it comes to homebirth! So, who better to discuss this with than Dr Melanie Jackson! Melanie is a privately practicing midwife in NSW, Australia (and has been for the last 14 years) and did her PhD on birthing outside the system. She is a wealth of knowledge and has the evidence to back up what she’s talking about. Em and Mel have a really honest chat about if midwives are actually qualified to be caring for women at home, what that care often looks like, the cost, the benefits, and the biggest question so many of you have – IS IT REALLY SAFE?! To hear more from Mel check out – Instagram @melaniethemidwife Website https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/ If you want to hear more from Em or want to support the podcast head to – Instagram @midwife_em and @welcometo.thewomb Link Tree https://linktr.ee/midwife_em Buy Em a Cuppa https://www.buymeacoffee.com/midwifeem

Knowing what to pack when going into hospital to have your baby can be SO overwhelming, which is why Em has teamed up with her Midwife soul sister, Elizabeth, yet again to talk you through the basics! Em and Elizabeth go through what to pack for: 🍊Labour 🍊The postpartum 🍊Your baby As well as touching on what NOT to pack! With 15 years of experience between them, Em and Elizabeth have their finger on the pulse with this one! If you want to hear more from Em or want to support the podcast head to - Instagram @midwife_em and @welcometo.the womb Link Tree https://linktr.ee/midwife_em Buy Em a Cuppa https://www.buymeacoffee.com/midwifeem

Knowing what to do when your baby is sick can be SUPER overwhelming, so lucky for you Em has asked Paediatric Nurse, Penny, all the questions YOU wanted to know! Penny has been a Paeds Nurse for 15 years and has a crazy amount of knowledge when it comes to sick babies and kids! In today’s episode, Penny and Em focus predominantly on 0-6 month olds and what to do when they’re unwell. They cover: - Caring for a baby with COVID or the flu/colds. - When should I take my baby to hospital? - What if my baby’s temperature is high? And is it actually high?! - Febrile convulsions. - What rashes are concerning? - When do I worry if my child hits their head or has a fall? - What about vomiting? - Teething - help! - Circumcision, yes or no? - Periods in baby girls?! This one is an absolute MUST listen for all parents! To find out more from Penny head over to her Instagram page @sick.happens (amazing!). Website: https://www.sickhappens.com.au/ - here you’ll find her courses, blogs, fact sheets, and masterclasses.

In today’s episode, Em is joined by one of the most incredible mother’s, Bec, who shares her story so openly and honestly. Bec and her husband, Steve, experienced 5-6 years of infertility, went from a family of two to five within 6 months through fostering three beautiful children, only to be topped off by naturally conceiving twins soon after. Yes, you heard that right, from zero to five kids in 18 months resulting in five kids under five! Bec shares her experience of infertility, complicated medical diagnoses, twin pregnancy, an opened cervix at 20 weeks, hospital admissions, early labour, and the eventual caesarean birth of her beautiful twin boys at 34 weeks. Bec also speaks about the amazing care she received from her private obstetrician both through the private and public hospital system. Oh…and did we mention she breastfed both the boys too? Bec has such a unique story and has an incredibly positive outlook on life. Truly, this birth story is nothing short of humbling and inspiring.

Choosing the right person to care for you during your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum period can be SO confusing! On today’s episode, Midwife Em is joined by Registered Midwife (and great friend) Elizabeth Gallagher to break down the pros and cons of each option available in Australia. Choosing the right care provider for YOU is so important and can have a huge influence on your overall experience. Together they talk through: - The importance of identifying your values, particularly surrounding birth. - Figuring out what options are available to you. - Public vs private hospitals. - The pros and the cons of the most common options of care. This episode is really skimming the surface but it’s such a great starting point for women and families. You can find more over at @midwife_em or @welcometo.thewomb on Instagram.

There are SO many misconceptions surrounding posterior babies/birth and today Midwife Em is joined by the amazing midwife, author, and educator Dr Rachel Reed to debunk some of those myths. Together they discuss what it means to have a baby in posterior position, what women should (or shouldn’t!) do about it, care provider fear, and how labour and birth may look for women with a posterior baby. This one really flips what we think we know about posterior babies on it’s head! If you want to know or see more from Rachel - Instagram: @midwifethinking Website: https://www.rachelreed.website/ (this includes a link over to her blog which has such incredible information as well as her online courses) Books: Reclaiming Childbirth as a Rite of Passage and Why Induction Matters

Whether you are pregnant and preparing yourself for when your baby arrives or are deep in the throes of newborn life, this episode is a must listen! Midwife Em talks through her 10 Top Tips to surviving the first week with a newborn! Em goes through what behaviour is normal and expected from babies as well as practical tips on getting through what can be a really tough and daunting week. Not only does Em talk about how to best care for your baby during this time, but she talks through how to best take care of YOURSELF! Let’s be real, properly taking care of yourself means you can better take care of your newest little love. This is one to listen to over and over so when the time comes, you’re ready for week one!

In this episode, Em is taken on a rollercoaster ride as Beth discusses the incredible birth story of her son, Luca (*SPOILER ALERT* no one realised he was Breech until he was born!). Beth speaks beautifully about her low risk pregnancy, her experience with MGP, her desire to have an unmedicated waterbirth, and the surprise Breech vaginal birth of Luca. Em and Beth not only go through Beth’s birth story, but also dive into the capabilities of women’s bodies that so often get overlooked in the modern birthing world. This one was an absolute privilege to record and you’re all going to love it! If you want to hear more from Beth, head over to her instagram page @state.ofwellness.

Today's episode it stacked full of important information regarding the man's role in conception. Midwife Em is joined by Peter Kington, a general acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine practitioner who has studied a Masters of Reproductive Medicine. Peter has an incredible depth of knowledge surrounding sperm and men’s health and explores why men are often overlooked when it comes to fertility. Peter first discusses why this might be the case and then dives deep into the important role of sperm and how men can be best taking care of it. Whether you are just beginning your fertility journey or are in the depths of it, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. You can either find Peter Kington at his practice in Greenslopes, Brisbane or over at his website https://www.peterkington.com.au/.

In today's episode, Midwife Em is joined by her sister in-law, Laura, who opens up about her incredible home-birth experience with her first baby, Juniper. Laura openly discusses her experience of two miscarriages, her beautiful relationship with her private midwife, and having her water-birth at home. There's lots of fun and laughter woven through this birth story with Em being present as one of Laura's support people in labour. This is one that really challenges what we have often come to expect birth to look like.

Today, Midwife Em is joined by Nutritionist, Personal Trainer, and Mindset Speaker Dee Zibara. Together they dive into the preconception period and the important role that nutrition, diet, and lifestyle play on women's hormones. Dee discusses the importance of women consuming consciously throughout their menstrual cycles and how to best support their hormones. Today is jam packed so get ready to be taking notes! You can find Dee over at her Instagram page @deezibara as well as having a listen in to her new podcast, What a Mouthful (absolutely give it a listen!).